After a video circulated in which it is observed how the vallenato singer Poncho Zuleta harasses his colleague Karen Lizarazo On a stage, in the middle of a concert on May 20, both artists spoke regarding it.
The artist used her Instagram profile to talk regarding what happened. “From the depths of my heart, I reject any act of disrespect towards women at any time, in any place, on the street, at home, in the office, on the stage. Dear teacher Poncho Zuleta, I have admired you since I was a child, I respect his legacy and you know that I appreciate it. Teacher, let this be an opportunity to reflect as a society, ”she reads in the publication.
For his part, Poncho Zuleta uploaded a video on the same social network, apologizing to Lizarazo.“Today I want to sincerely apologize to my friend and colleague Karen Lizarazo, an admirable artist. To her and to all the women who have been offended by what happened in the early hours of May 20, my apologies. When I think of women, I think of my mother Carmen Díaz, her memory is sacred. And I can not conceive of anything different, but praise them because they are undoubtedly the central axis of humanity, a thousand apologies and a big hug.
The video of the harassment caused great controversy among users of different social networks, generating outrage. Some well-known celebrities, such as the athlete Caterine Ibargüen, commented on Karen Lizarazo’s publication: “Master? Our results cannot depend on the tolerance of abuse. Women have all the tools to be recognized for our talents and abilities. I hug you Karen.”
The recording, which has been replicated by several people on social networks, shows the moment when both artists shared the stage, when suddenly Zuleta decided to take his colleague by the waist and neck to try to kiss her.
However, the moment of harassment did not end there, because although she showed a clear rejection of this situation and constantly asked him to let her go, the singer did not give in to his claims and even took her harder to kiss her.
The singer-songwriter, accordion player and actress Diana Burco also expressed her support through a comment on the social network. “Karen you are doing SO gigantic and great things in your career…there is NO reason for us to NORMALIZE, OR ROMANTICIZE THIS ANYMORE…we’re with you!”
The singer Olga Lucía Vives, a member of the musical group Ventino, also expressed herself. “You are a tesa who has managed to enter a “macho” genre and you are changing history. You keep changing it by rejecting these acts. They are not tolerable!”
Other reactions
Gabriela Tafur, who was Miss Colombia, used her Twitter profile to support Karen Lizarazo and invite her followers. “Hire more women who sing Vallenato. Boost female voices. Listen to more songs performed by them.”
Tafur added, “Understand that going all out once morest that man, in that environment, is to bury a career that he has painstakingly built in a totally male-dominated environment and gender. He is in a horrible position. A little understanding and less re-victimization”.
Angélica Lozano also spoke out once morest the harassment of the vallenato singer and pointed out that this type of violence must be completely rejected. “Karen Lizarazo did not experience an uncomfortable moment as they point out there. He was the victim of HARASSMENT by Poncho Zuleta. The sexist aggressions that women who try to make space for themselves in industries such as music have to experience are disgusting. TOTAL rejection of this act of harassment,” Lozano trilled.
